An Air India Boeing 777 operating flight AI816 from Mumbai to Delhi aborted its takeoff on Tuesday evening after air traffic control instructed the crew to discontinue the takeoff roll. | Photo Credit: -

An Air India Boeing 777 aircraft bound for Delhi aborted take-off at Mumbai airport on Tuesday evening on instructions of air traffic control, the airline said.

While Air India did not specify the reason, airport sources said the pilots of the Delhi-bound flight AI 816 were asked to abort the takeoff roll because an Air India Express Boeing 737 had not vacated the runway upon arrival.

In a statement, Air India said the crew operating flight AI816 from Mumbai to Delhi discontinued the takeoff run after receiving an instruction from air traffic control and returned to the bay.

“The aircraft will undergo necessary checks as per standard operating procedures. Meanwhile, alternative arrangement is being made to fly the passengers to their destination at the earliest. At Air India, the safety and wellbeing of our passengers remain top priority,” it said.

Published on July 8, 2026